These books have been successfully used by three different types of students. One group is young children who need a solid grammar foundation and are in the fifth or sixth grade. A second group consists of those who have not done well using traditional texts; the Grammar Land books offer a change of pace and method which is often appealing to this type of student. The third group finding success with these books is made up of varying ages who need remediation.

Grammar Land Books may be purchased as a set or individually from the links below.

This book contains a number of ideas that I had to learn the hard way. In college I developed a number of defensive techniques to simplify my work so that I could get it all done. Working four jobs and carrying 15-18 units per semester did not leave much time for studying. I had to have methods that saved time but still got the job done.

This book has many things going for it. The lessons are simple and direct. The exercises constantly repeat what has been formerly taught. New ideas are approached incrementally in digestible form. The nature of the exercises forces the students to use what they have learned. In particular this is true with the formula sentences the students are required to produce almost immediately. The total focus in this book is on the sentence.

Jensen's Punctuation is completely self-contained for easy instruction. All the rules, exercises, tests, and answers are in one book. It contains the five basic rules that cause at least 75% of the errors which appear in student writing, and it contains all rules for every other punctuation mark from the period to the dash. The rules section of the book make this one a keeper; your students will take it with them to college and beyond just for reference.

All three sections have the same basic layout and design. The students become familiar with the format and then can concentrate on learning the new words. A rhythm of learning takes place, and the student progresses. The further along the program, the easier it becomes for the student due to the constant review. This book excels at developing the single most necessary indgredient of good communication: a good vocabulary.

Sound Spelling is unique in the spelling world. It is a book that is not composed of endless lists of words to memorize. No, instead it contains lists of sounds matched to various letter combinations. From these lists, a student learns to spell the words that give him or her trouble. One reviewer said it could easily be called Spelling for Dummies because it meets each student just where he or she is at.

Fun Stuff is quite a bit different from the other books published by Wordsmiths. It is not a textbook or a workbook; instead it is a compilation of things to do with the language that are entertaining as well as profitable. It contains a variety of word games, some single sheet exercises involving words and word parts, and a few other items to stretch the minds of those who use the book.

From Heart to Page is a booklet about journal writing. It is designed for grades 4-8 but would be good for any reluctant writer. It is set up with topic starters for many days, 50 each for fall, winter and spring with another 30 for the summer months. The design is to take a young writer through an entire year of journaling. A bonus section in the back gives multiple ideas for continuing on.

Writing to Change the World helps young folks get into print. The subtitle says it all: "How to Style Your Writing for Publication." Susan Brown, the author, knows whereof she speaks; she has written hundreds of articles, reviews, short stories, and devotions which have appeared in print.